Peptic ulcer of the duodenum is one of the most common diseases of the digestive system, in which lesions (ulcers) form in the human duodenum.
Causes of duodenal ulcer
Peptic ulcer is associated with a violation of the nervous, and then humoral mechanisms that regulate the secretory, motor functions of the stomach and duodenum, blood circulation in them, and trophism of the mucous membranes.
Negative emotions, prolonged mental stress, pathological impulses from the affected internal organs in chronic appendicitis, chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, etc. are not often the cause of the development of peptic ulcer.
Main symptoms of duodenal ulcer
First of all, pain in the upper abdomen signals the occurrence and development of a peptic ulcer. Night pains are disturbing, in which a person will need to eat something to “quench” the pain.
With an ulcer in the esophagus, pain is felt behind, between the shoulder blades, and in the neck to the beginning of the chest. The exact position of the ulcer is determined by the passage of food. When food passes by the ulcer, the pain subsides a little. With an ulcer in the mouth of the stomach, pain is felt in the lower chest and upper abdomen and is stronger. If the ulcer is at the bottom of the stomach, its scales are present in the feces. Ulcers of the stomach and intestines are distinguished by the place of sensation of pain when eating.
In addition to the pain syndrome, the typical clinical picture of PU includes all kinds of dyspeptic phenomena. Heartburn is a common symptom of the disease, occurs in 30-80% of patients. Heartburn can alternate with pain, precede it for a number of years, or be the only symptom of the disease. However, it should be taken into account that heartburn is very often observed in other diseases of the digestive system and is one of the main signs of insufficiency of cardiac function. Nausea and vomiting are less common.
Constipation is observed in 50% of patients with PU. They increase during periods of exacerbation of the disease.
A distinctive feature of YAB is the cyclical flow. Periods of exacerbation, which traditionally last from several days to 6-8 weeks, are replaced by a remission phase. During remission, patients do not often feel practically healthy, even without following any diet.
Treatment of duodenal ulcer
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats peptic ulcer.
The discovery of the role of Helicobacter pylori in the occurrence of ulcers has greatly facilitated the approach to the treatment of this disease. Now peptic ulcer is not perceived as a life sentence.
Special three- and four-component treatment regimens have been developed, with the help of which you can permanently get rid of the cause of peptic ulcer disease – Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and therefore completely recover from the ulcer, avoiding subsequent exacerbations.
Mandatory components of all treatment regimens are antibiotics (two at the same time), which are taken, as a rule, for 7-10 days. In addition, patients are prescribed products that neutralize the main component of gastric juice – hydrochloric acid, as well as products that form a protective film on the plane of the gastric mucosa.
People suffering from peptic ulcer should observe the correct daily routine, adhere to a special diet, and, most likely, not be nervous. It is advisable to give up smoking and alcoholic beverages for the duration of treatment.
The active course of treatment takes approximately 2 weeks, after which it will be necessary to continue maintenance treatment and follow a diet.
Surgical intervention is required extremely infrequently – only with long-term non-healing stomach ulcers, as well as with complications of peptic ulcer disease. During an operation for a peptic ulcer, the affected area of the stomach or intestines is most often removed, and some nerve branches are also cut, which helps to reduce the acidity of gastric juice.
Prevention of duodenal ulcer
The modern drug potential of antisecretory effects on acid production caused by food intake minimizes the requirements for the patient in the field of nutrition. Restrictions include a ban on food intake at night, an increase in the frequency of food intake in order to use its antacid effect.
As a preventive measure, it will also be necessary to comply with hygienic standards of work, life and nutrition, refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol.